Pant & Bumrah’s Performance Key to India’s Success in 2024 Australia Tour
Key to Team India’s Success in Australia – Rishabh Pant and Jasprit Bumrah’s Form
Former Australian captain, Ian Chappell, suggests that the fitness and form of Rishabh Pant and Jasprit Bumrah will significantly influence India’s upcoming tour of Australia.
Rishabh Pant: The Game Changer for Team India
Pant, who played a significant role in India’s previous series wins in Australia (2018-19 and 2020-21), has returned to Test cricket after a two-year break due to a road accident. His comeback in the first Test against Bangladesh was marked by his sixth Test hundred in India’s second innings.
“Pant’s remarkable resurgence after a serious car accident demonstrates his vital role as a wicketkeeper-batter in the Indian line-up,” wrote Chappell. “His quick scoring ability and innovative aggression is an essential part of India’s strategy.”
Pant’s Wicketkeeping: An Asset for Team India
Chappell highlights the importance of Pant’s wicketkeeping abilities, describing them as crucial for Australian conditions. “You need a keeper who capably covers a lot of territory to either side of the wicket. Pant’s keeping standing up to the stumps drastically improved prior to his injury, marking his willingness to put in the hard work.”
Jasprit Bumrah: The Striking Force for Team India
Bumrah’s fitness will also be vital for India’s success. The ace paceman has played seven Tests in Australia, amassing 32 wickets at an impressive average of 21.3 and a strike rate of 51.5. Chappell emphasizes the importance of managing Bumrah’s workload strategically before the Australian tour.
Chappell further stated, “The good form and fitness of both Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj are crucial. Bumrah, being the attack leader, must be in form and remain fit to play the majority of the five Tests.”
Return of Mohammed Shami: A Boost for Team India
Chappell also touched upon the return of Mohammed Shami, who has not played competitive cricket since the ODI World Cup final in 2023 but is nearing full fitness. If Shami doesn’t make it to the New Zealand series, he plans to play a couple of domestic games before heading to Australia for the five-match series starting in Perth on November 22.
“The presence of a good left-arm paceman would boost India’s attack variety. While the spin bowling is in good hands with Ravindra Jadeja and R Ashwin, I wouldn’t underestimate the importance of Kuldeep Yadav on some Australian surfaces,” Chappell added.
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